World War II: The Beginning 8th Grade Social Studies

How did it all begin? Tensions were growing overseas and President Roosevelt knew he would need to make a move. Three major countries: Japan, Germany and Italy were attempting to completely take over their parts of the world These countries, especially Germany led by Hitler, were starting to take over neighboring countries.

How did Hitler come to power? After losing World War I, the German people were very frustrated They were seeking a reason to believe in their country again, and it came in the form of Adolf Hitler During Hitler’s uprising, he was viewed as a hero among German citizens

What happened after Hitler came to power? After winning control of the German government in 1933, Hitler and the Nazi party began planning to seize power in Central Europe. Italy and Japan had the same plan of world domination, and the three countries became allies known as the “Axis Powers.” Many countries, including the United States, wanted to stay out of the war because of the devastation caused by World War I.

“What good luck for rulers that men don’t think.” -Adolf Hitler

How did the Nazis execute their plan? Germany took over Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The invasion of Poland was what really set things off. Poland’s allies, France and Britain, declared war on Germany. They stood no chance. By June 1940, Germany and Italy controlled most of Europe. The fast take over by the powerful army became known as “blitzkrieg”, which means “lightning war.”

How did the United States and NC feel about the War? Like in World War I, North Carolina and America as a whole did not want to join the awful war overseas. And like World War I, it soon became necessary. Congress passed a peacetime draft, which meant young men began getting “drafted” for war. The United States began preparing for combat by training the new troops. New Marine camps were built, including Camp Lejeune! Factories began making and sending war supplies to Britain, the only remaining country in Europe not under German control.

Besides Europe, what else was America keeping an eye on? U.S. also needed to watch Japan, who had started taking over parts of Asia. Japan’s major opposition was the United States Pacific Fleet Had bases in parts of the Pacific including Hawaii. What do you think happens next?